Mensendieck somatocognitive therapy as treatment approach to chronic pelvic pain: Results of a randomized controlled intervention study

Gro Killi Haugstad, Tor S. Haugstad, Unni Kirste, Siv Leganger, Inger Klemmetsen, Ulrik Fredrik Malt
In: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology · 2006 · vol. 194(5) , pp. 1303–1310 · doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2005.10.793 · PMID:16647914 · W2166058105
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Mensendieck somatocognitive therapy was investigated as a treatment for chronic pelvic pain in a randomized controlled trial.

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Abstract

ObjectiveThe etiology of chronic pelvic pain is disputed and multifactorial. We studied the effect of Mensendieck somatocognitive therapy aimed at reducing physical pain by changing posture, movement and respiration patterns combined with standard gynecological treatment.Study designWomen with chronic pelvic pain unexplained by pelvic pathology were randomized into 2 groups: (1) standard gynecological treatment and (2) gynecological treatment plus somatocognitive therapy. A Mensendieck test of motor function (posture, movement, gait, sitting posture, respiration) and a visual analogue score of pain were obtained before and after the 90-day treatment period.ResultsThe test results of patients treated by standard gynecological measures were unchanged (nonsignificant). By contrast, the patients receiving somatocognitive therapy in addition improved scores by 25% to 60% for all motor functions (P < .01, largest improvement for respiration, up from average 2.98 [SEM 0.30] to 4.72 [0.37]), and pain scores reduced by 50% (down from 5.60 [0.40] to 2.89 [0.40], P < .01).ConclusionMensendieck somatocognitive therapy combined with standard gynecological care improved pain experience and motor functions of women with chronic pelvic pain better than gynecological treatment alone.

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chronic_pelvic_pain

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